Stairway style

Architectural add-ons

Displaying architectural pieces, such as an arched window frame, is interior decorator Denise Knickrehm’s go-to trick for adding character to her home.

Denise owns the home-decor and clothing shop Denise’s Adornments in nearby Geneva, Illinois. Right now, her shop and home feature gloriously romantic whites and creams mixed with French signage and modern industrial metals.

Reimagined space

Architectural salvage

Denise and her carpenter husband, Greg, use pediments and pilasters to enhance the plain trim of doorways and windows. Leaning a diamond-paned window inside a kitchen bump-out was a simple way to improve the view.

Small collectibles

Grouping collections maximizes impact. Denise has flatware, pocket watches, perfume bottles and more. Glass containers show them prettily, but she also uses old pots, pitchers, baskets, trays, and bowls to corral and display.

Ladder linens

Home office organization

Remember library card catalogues? This lookalike cabinet keeps envelopes and paper clips organized in the home office. It's topped with a whimsical mix of used paintbrushes, binoculars and a well-loved derby hat.

Repurposed tray

Farmhouse welcome

With four finished floors, this Bartlett, Illinois, farmhouse has more than enough space for Denise's seven grandchildren to visit.

The rambling, four-level house was a two-flat apartment building when Denise and Greg, bought it. “It was trashed, disgusting and rundown,” says Denise, who, nonetheless, could spot its good bones. The couple ripped up carpets to expose original wood floors, tore down walls for a more open floor plan, and replaced all the plumbing and electrical wiring. Then it was time to have fun decorating.